Assessment Form.

[kaMp87]

Does anybody (personal trainers) uses assessment forms with their clients? If so, what do you include in the form?

[forsh2003]

here is what i used to do with my clients this cheets , check it out

http://rapidshare.com/files/13442029...SHEET.doc.html

[TrainingGuru]

Assessing your clients is a key part of monitoring their success, it is absolutely necessary! Now in regards to what the form should and must include truly depends on your level of expertise. Ask yourself what you are capable of assessing. If at the moment you are only comfortable with weight and measurements then do so. If you are familiar with calipers and are capable of using them correctly then I would definitely recommend adding these to your list. Your assessments should cover as much information as you can attain. Ultimately you should strive to be able to assess multiple areas of health and fitness- body posture, muscle alignment and activation responses, body fat, weight, BMI, inch measurements, heart rate, (other levels they may provide form previous doctor visits), neurological responses, muscle endurance as well as muscle strength, recovery heart rate assessments, flexibility, nutrition habits, previous injuries and or health issues, reasons for their goal. There are many other things that can and should be assessed, if this is the career path you are looking to take always read and continue your education-goes hand and hand with your pay check.

[kkschaef]

I feel assessing clients is a must. I basically do measurements, weight, and body fat. With some clients we assess strength gains. Using an assesssment will allow the trainer to keep track of goals and where things need to be changed.

[catheitz]

they are beneficial to have that solid piece of paper to compare results so that the client not only physically feels it but sees it; it boosts their confidence and reminds them it's worth the $

[TheManofSteel]

Originally Posted by kaMp87

Does anybody (personal trainers) uses assessment forms with their clients? If so, what do you include in the form?

- Page for weight, and bodyfat (percentage, and actual measurements)
- Page for addressing flexibility, postural issues
- 4-Page Medical History (including Heart Disease, Diabetes, Spine & Bone Problems, Joint Problems, Prescribed Diet, Medications, & other health-related questions)
- Final Page: Review, and assessment after first few sessions
- General Information Page (basic biopic, plus goals & motivation is addressed)
- Strength Form (Suggested exercises to get an overall idea of the person's ability)- which I rarely use anymore, I have my own little routine in my head in which I gain gauge strength & such

[fitprobo]

Looks like you are getting plenty of ideas for essential and optional assessments to use. Your selection will most likely depend upon your comfort level and equipment availability.

I think it's important to add that there are many reasons for performing the initial as well as periodic assessements.
1. Potentially uncovers hidden health issues that the client didn't tell you or was unaware of.
2. Provides multiple avenues to track physical changes for the client rather than just the scale. Can be huge for motivation when the weight isn't coming off because of muscle gain, but you can show the waist circumfrance reducing.
3. Allows you to create a program that addresses needed areas that may not be a specific part of the clients goals.
4. You stand out as a true PROFESSIONAL. It is most often that I witness trainers counting reps with their morning starbucks in hand rather than acting like true professionals. I believe being a fitness professional begins with a quality health screening and assessment.